Rules and Regulations

High Score Rules & Specifications

  1. The NJPHA High Score Awards year will run from December 1 through November 30 of the current show year
  2. Subscription Fees: The fee for the first NJPHA class will be $50. Fee for each additional NJPHA class will be $5 per class to a maximum of $100 per show. Classes may be paid through PayPal either in advance of show or when results are submitted. PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN FOURTEEN (14) DAYS OF THE SHOW DATE or the show will be found “not in good standing” (see 2B). No points will be posted until payment is received. For shows held within the last two weeks of November payments and results must be received within 72 hours.
    1. After the initial fourteen (14) day period has passed and a show is found to be “not in good standing” a notice reflecting that determination will be posted on our website; NJPHA.net, and our social media pages. At this point horse show management will be given a 45 day grace period in which to bring the show account current. During the 45 day grace period any other shows held by show management found to be “not in good standing” will be unable to offer valid NJPHA points. A notice reflecting this will be posted on our website and our social media pages.
    2. After the 45 day grace period has passed (59 days from the show date) if payment/results have not been received the show will remain “not in good standing” and will be barred from offering NJPHA points for the remainder of the show year. A final notice of determination will be posted on our website and our social media pages.
    3. Any show affected by Rule 2B will be permitted to run NJPHA points in the next show year on a prepaid basis.
  3. High Score Awards classes may ONLY be offered at horse shows held In New Jersey.
  4. All NJPHA classes MUST be judged by a current USEF member.x
  5. It is required that specifications for the NJPHA High Score Awards be available the day of the show with the show secretary and online at NJPHA.net.
  6. Any violation(s) of the NJPHA High ScoreA wards Rules & Specifications will be considered the FAULT OF THE HORSE SHOW, not the NJPHA. The NJPHA reserves the right to make final decisions relating to the interpretation & adjudication of the High Score.
  7. In order for horses & ponies to accrue NJPHA High Score Award points in performance classes,THE OWNERS OF THE HORSE OR PONY MUST BE NJPHA MEMBERS. ***Horses & Ponies are NOT required to be registered***but must be recorded with your membership each year.
  8. In order for an equitation rider (junior or adult amateur) to accrue NJPHA High Score Awards points, they must be an NJPHA member.
  9. xIf a horse or pony is shown under a stable or farm name, the stable or farm must be registered with the High Score Awards program. In order for the farm or stable to be registered the farm representative must be a current member of the NJPHA.
    • Farm Registration (one time fee) $50
    • Professional Member (annual) $55
    • Associate Member (annual) $40
    • Junior or Adult Amateur High Score $35
  10. In order for the NJPHA High Score Awards trophy & ribbons to be awarded, the classes must have been run a minimum of six (6) times during the year, under at least three (3) different judges. A competitor must compete at least three (3) times duringthe year in any one class to receive a High Score Award.In all classes a trophy & up to six (6) ribbons will be presented at the annual High Score Dinner.
  11. Three (3) entries are needed to consider a class official. In ALL classes, three (3) entries must complete the class/course. If not otherwise stated, the last over fences class will be designated as the NJPHA class.
  12. NJPHA points will be awarded as follows:
    # of entries 3 • MODIFIED (5 – 1st) (3 – 2nd) (2 – 3rd)
    # of entries 4-8 • REGULAR (7 – 1st) (5- 2nd) (4- 3rd) (3 – 4th) (2 – 5th) (1 – 6th)
    # of entries 9-15 • DOUBLE (14 – 1st) (10- 2nd) (8- 3rd) (6 – 4th) (4 – 5th) (2 – 6th)
    # of entries 16-25 • TRIPLE (21 – 1st) (15- 2nd) (12- 3rd) (9 – 4th) (6- 5th) (3- 6th)
    # of entries 25+ • QUADRUPLE (28 – 1st) (20- 2nd) (16- 3rd) (12 – 4th) (8- 5th) (4- 6th)
  13. During the show year, only a competitor’s forty (40) best shows will count toward a High Score Award. Anyone showing in more than forty (40) shows will have their lowest point show totals deleted. Any competitor who shows more than ten (10) times at any one horse show facility (i.e. Sussex County Fairgrounds, NJ Horse Park) will have only their ten (10) highest points totals count toward a High Score Award. You may continue to show at these locations & try to improve your lowest point total show.
  14. Every class offered herein which is covered by the rules & specifications of the current USEF rule book will be conducted & judged in accordance therewith.
  15. If two (2) divisions at any one show have the same name, the NJPHA will only accept points from ONE division. If none is designated as the point class NJPHA will take the points from the NON-Outreach/USEF recognized ring.
  16. The age of the rider will conform to the current USEF rule.
  17. Membership is effective when transaction is completed and paid online at njpha.net.
  18. Anyone found to have misrepresented themselves; i.e. the rider’s age, the rider’s competitive level, the horse’s competitive level, the horse’s size as in small/medium/large etc., or any similar offense, will forfeit ALL points earned FROM THE DATE OF THE INFRACTION OF THE RULE IN THAT CLASS. This applies regardless of whether the misrepresentation was intended or not. Thereafter points will be awarded in the correct division ONLY. Points may not be carried from one division to another. A second offense by the same member will be referred to the Ethics Committee & Board of Directors of the NJPHA for further disciplinary action. ALL INFRACTIONS/PROTESTS MUST BE REPORTED TO THE NJPHA IN WRITING AND SENT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE ETHICS COMMITTEE at [email protected].
  19. Certain NJPHA classes, by definition, have restrictions and/or limitations. Anyone who participates in the NJPHA High Score Awards program is bound by the definitions with their restrictions and/or limitations. All prior horse show experience of the NJPHA High Score Award member & his or her horse or pony at any horse show open to the public and/or sanctioned by the NJPHA will be used to determine the eligibility of the member & the horse or pony.
  20. NJPHA members agree to submit to binding arbitration any or all disputes they might have with the NJPHA or with any other member, arising out of the NJPHA High Score Awards Program, or touching or concerning the program in any manner whatsoever. All disputes shall be submitted to the American Arbitration Association for resolution, or to any other arbitrator upon which the parties mutually agree. Each party shall bear their own costs in the arbitration process.
  21. If any NJPHA member shall bring legal action against the NJPHA arising out of the NJPHA High Score Awards Program or touching or concerning the program in any manner whatsoever, & if that member does not prevail in the legal action, then that member shall be liable for the legal fees, costs & expenses incurred by the NJPHA defending against the action. If the member prevails in part & does not prevail in part in the legal action, then the member shall be liable for a pro-rata portion of the NJPHA’s legal fees, costs & expenses incurred in defending against the actions. This fee shifting provision applies regardless of whether the legal action is prosecuted to judgment or settled prior to the judgment.
  22. In case of a dispute/protest concerning the height of the horse/pony, owner provide a valid USEF measurement card.
  23. In all cases where the rider’s Maiden, Novice, Limit or Intermediate eligibility is a factor the eligibility will be determined by USEF Rule Eq 110 4. A-H
  24. A horse or rider may accrue points in only ONE section of any split NJPHA sectioned High Score class at any one horse show. BOTHsections MUST be offered at each show for High Score points to count.
  25. The NJPHA will only accept points from classes that are correctly named in the prize list and run in accordance with the NJPHA specifications.
  26. For NJPHA points to count, the class must be listed in the prize list, and cannot be added on the day of the horse show. Classes may be added prior to the show upon notification to the NJPHA via email at [email protected] notification on said management’s social media, website, horseshowing.com, and/or any other sites the prize list/schedule are posted.
  27. Any Adult Amateur High Score member, the guardian of a junior High Score member, or Professional member is able to request another competitor’spoints for the show year, as they have been reported to the NJPHA, for a fee of $50 per request. This request must be made in writing, accompanied by the fee in check, money order form or paid for onthe NJPHAwebsite via paypal.
  28. Membership in the NJPHA High Score Awards Program is a privilege not a right & the NJPHA reserves the right to decline membership to any party.
    # of entries 3 • MODIFIED (5 – 1st) (3 – 2nd) (2 – 3rd)
    # of entries 4-8 • REGULAR (7 – 1st) (5- 2nd) (4- 3rd) (3 – 4th) (2 – 5th) (1 – 6th)
    # of entries 9-15 • DOUBLE (14 – 1st) (10- 2nd) (8- 3rd) (6 – 4th) (4 – 5th) (2 – 6th)
    # of entries 16-25 • TRIPLE (21 – 1st) (15- 2nd) (12- 3rd) (9 – 4th) (6- 5th) (3- 6th)
    # of entries 25+ • QUADRUPLE (28 – 1st) (20- 2nd) (16- 3rd) (12 – 4th) (8- 5th) (4- 6th)
  29. CALENDER
    • Deadline for shows to be submitted to the calendar: October 15
    • No new shows may be added that are not printed in the calendar to offer NJPHA points UNLESS APPROVED BY USEF.
    • A show date can be changed, but a written request to reschedule the canceled show must be made within 30 days of the posted date in the calendar. must be sent and must be approved by the rules specifications committee. Written request should be sent [email protected] for approval.
    • The NJPHA calendar dates will shift with the USEF calendar.
    • USEF shows will automatically be able to change dates.
  30. Any point discrepancies from shows held from December 1st to May 31st, MUST be brought to the attention of the High Score point secretary by JUNE 15th.This will be considered the mid-year cut off. June 15this the cut off date. No High Score points will be changed after this date except points affected by rule #18-INFRACTIONS.

Divisions

Hunters

Hunter NJPHA Mini Stirrup Hunter

Open to horses & ponies ridden by children 10 years of age & under as of December 1st of the current show year. Riders may have never shown in any division or class, at any horse show, where cantering is required. Once a rider competes in any class or division other than Mini Stirrup or Walk-Trot Equitation or Hunter, they are no longer eligible for Mini Stirrup Divisions.Fences crossrails below 18”

NJPHA Short Stirrup Hunter

Open to horses & ponies ridden by children 12 years of age & under as of December 1st of the current show year. Riders may have never shown in any division, at any show, where the fence height specifications are 2’ or higher. To be shown over a course LESS THAN 2’ in height. To be judged on manners, performance & suitability. Riders may not cross enter into any other division or class at any competition where fences are 2’ or higher, doing so will make the rider ineligible for Short Stirrup divisions. This division may be combined with Beginner Hunter, if entries warrant.
NJPHA Beginner Hunter

Open to horses & ponies ridden by riders of ANY age. Fences LESS THAN 2’ in height. Section A: Rider may not have shown in a division, at any show, where the fence height specifications are 2’ or higher. Section B: Horse or pony not to have shown in a division, at any show, where fence height specifications are 2’ or higher doing so will make that rider ineligible for Beginner Sections. Riders may not cross enter into any other division or class at any competition where fences are 2’ or higher, doing so will make the rider ineligible for Beginner divisions This division may be combined with Short Stirrup Hunter, if entries warrant. TROTTING ANYWHERE ON COURSE NOT TO BE PENALIZED ALTHOUGH AN UNINTENTIONAL BREAK OF GATE WILL BE PENALIZED.

NJPHA Low Adult Amateur Hunter
Open to horses & ponies ridden by an adult amateur exhibitor. To be shown over a course of fences 2’6” in height. Riders may not cross enter into any class or division with fences 3’ or higher at the same competition.
NJPHA Low Children’s Hunter
Open to horses & ponies ridden by junior riders as of December 1st of the current show year. Fences 2’ for ponies. Fences 2’6” for horses. Riders may not cross enter into Children’s Hunter horse or pony, Pony Hunter, or any class at the same competition where the fences exceed 2’6” for horses and 2’ for ponies. If there are fewer than three (3) horses & three (3) ponies the class may be combined with Low Adult Amateur to Hunter form a Pre-Children’s.Low Adult Amateur Hunter class. Horse & Pony points will be counted towards the respective High Score Awards.
NJPHA Adult Amateur Hunter

H.J. “Duke” Ellington Perpetual Memorial Challenge Trophy
donated by the Friends of Spring Tree Farm

To be awarded to the Adult Amateur Hunter with the greatest number of points at the end of the year. To be shown by riders who are no longer eligible to compete as junior exhibitors, who possess a valid current USEF Amateur card. Ponies may be shown by adults; suitability to count. Fences 3’, spreads not to exceedfence heights. To be run in accordance with USEF Zone 2 specifications. Open to Adult Amateur riders of any age, If there are more than three (3) older & three (3) younger Adult Amateur Hunters, the class may be split to form two Adult Amateur Hunter classes. If entries warrant there MAY be two High Score Awards presented.

NJPHA Suitable Hunter

Open to horses & ponies. To be judged on performance & soundness, with emphasis on manners. Fences 2’9” OR 3’. Class may be run with any open 2’9” & 3’ hunter division This division may be combined with NJPHA Schooling Hunter & run at separate heights. 2’6, 2’9’ & 3’. When combined, points will got to the respective section.

NJPHA Children’s Hunter
Kabuki Dancer Memorial Trophy
donated by Carol Hoffman Thompson

To be shown by a junior rider who is still eligible to compete as an intermediate rider as of December 1st of the current show year. Horses and ponies may be jogged for soundness at the discretion of the judge. If there are not three (3) horses & three (3) ponies the class may be combined into one Children’s Hunter class, & points will count towards respective High Score Awards. USEF ZONE 2 SPECIFICATIONS WILL BE USED. Fences 3’ for Horses, 2’6” for Large ponies, 2’ for Sm/Med ponies. There are four (4) High Score Awards for this division:

  • HORSES WITH RIDERS 14 & UNDER
  • HORSES WITH RIDERS 15-17
  • LARGE PONIES
  • SMALL/MEDIUM PONIES
NJPHA Junior/Amateur Owner Hunter
To be judged on performance & soundness, with emphasis on manners. To be shown over a course with fence height at 3’6”. This class may be offered as two (2) separate classes provided here are three (3) entries in each section. Both Junior and Amateur Owner Hunter must be offered at the show for points to count. All points to count toward one High Score Award. Points accepted from 3’3” &/or 3’6” sections, but horses may only accrue points once at any horse show. If entries warrant there MAY be two High Score Awards presented.
NJPHA Hopeful Hunter
sponsored by ANIMAL BODY WORK

Open to horses and ponies. To be judged on performance and soundness with emphasis on manners. Section A. Fences less than 2 feet. Section B. Fences at 2’3”. Class may be run with any open 2’ to 3’ hunter division This division may be combined with NJPHA Schooling or NJPHA Suitable Hunter division’s and run at separate heights. When combined, points will go to therespective section.

NJPHA Schooling Hunter

Open to horses & ponies. To be judged on performance & soundness, with emphasis on manners. This division may be combined with NJPHA Hunter & run at 2 separate heights. Fences 2’6”
NJPHA Pleasure Horse or Pony
To be shown in English tack at a walk, trot, canter both ways of the ring. To be judged on performance & soundness with emphasis on manners. No martingales permitted. The class may be split into two (2) separate Sections (horses & ponies) provided there are three (3) in each section. All points to count toward one High Score Award.
NJPHA Hunter Derby

Sponsored by Friends & Family of Teresa Conte

This class may be offered at any NJPHA pointed show. Horse shows may offer more than one Derby reflecting the jump height of each of the NJPHA pointed classes offered in the High Score Program (2’3″/2’6″/2’9″/3’/3’3″/3’6″). The NJPHA Derby may be combined with another Derby run under the same specifications. Horses may only compete in one NJPHA pointed Derby per show. A horse or rider may only compete in classes/sections not to exceed 3” higher than the maximum height of the entered Derby. One rider per horse. Owner of the horse, and rider must be a current NJPHA member, and the horse must be registered with the NJPHA (free of charge) to the owner and rider in order to accrue points for the High Score Program. No prize money restrictions.

Equitation

NJPHA New Rider Equitation

Sponsored by Voight Farms

Open to riders of any age. Riders may have never shown in any division or class, at any horse show, where cantering is required, at that time, rider is no longer eligible for New Rider Equitation.

NJPHA Mini Stirrup Walk/Trot Figure 8
Open to junior riders 10 years of age & under as of December 1st of the current show year. Riders may have never shown in any division or class, at any horse show, where cantering is required, at that time, rider is no longer eligible for MINI Stirrup Divisions.
NJPHA Short Stirrup Equitation
Open to junior riders 12 years of age & under as of December 1st of the current show year. Riders may never have shown in any division, at any show, where the fence height specifications are 2’ or higher. To be shown over a course LESS THAN 2’ in height. Riders may not cross enter into any other division or class where fence heights are 2’ or higher, at that time, rider will no longer be eligible for Short Stirrup Divisions. Division may be combined with Beginner Hunter if entries warrant with points awarded in the respective section.
NJPHA Beginner Equitation
Open to riders of any age who have not shown in a division, at any show, where the fence height specifications are 2’ or higher. Riders may not cross enter into any other division or class where fence height specs are 2’ or higher, rider will no longer be eligible for Beginner Divisions. This division may be combined with Short Stirrup Equitation, if entries warrant. TROTTING ON COURSE NOT TO BE PENALIZED, ALTHOUGH AN UNINTENTIONAL BREAK OF GATE WILL BE PENALIZED.
NJPHA Modified Rider
Open to juniors and amateur riders on horses or ponies. Riders to show over a simple course with fence height 2’3”. Riders not to have shown in a class or division where fence height specs are 2’6” or higher. Exhibitors cannot cross enter into any other class/division where fence height exceeds 2’3” at the same competition. Riders who have competed in a rated division which includes Pre Children’s and Low Adult in the past showyear are not eligible to compete in this class. This class may be combined with any other division with equivalent specifications.
NJPHA Low Children’s Medal
Open to junior riders as of December 1st of the current show year. To be shown over a course of eight (8) fences, with at least one change of direction. Fences 2’ for ponies. Fences 2’6” for horses. Riders may not cross enter into Children’s Hunter horse or pony, Pony Hunter or any class at the same competition where fences exceed 2’6” for horses and 2’ for ponies. Low Adult Medal and LOW Children’s Medal may be combined to form 1 NJPHA Medal class with points awarded in the respective heights. Medals may be combined with Marshall & Sterling 2’6” Medal (not pony medal) if the Medal entries are horses only.
NJPHA Low Adult Medal

Open to adult amateur riders. To be shown over a course of fences not to exceed 2’6”. Riders maynot cross enter into any class or division with fences 3’ or higher.

NJPHA Pony Medal

Open to junior riders who have NOT have won any equitation class at 3’6” or higher prior to December 1st of the current show year. To be shown over a course of eight (8) fences, with at least one change of direction. Fences 2’ for Sm/Med ponies. Fences 2’6” for Large ponies. May be combined with Marshall & Sterling Pony Medal.

NJPHA Adult Medal

Open to all adult amateurs. To be shown over a minimum of eight (8) fences at at 3’ with at least 1 change of direction. May be combined with the Ariat Adult Medal or the Marshall & Sterling Adult medal, whenever possible.

NJPHA Children’s Equitation
Allegra Memorial Challenge Trophy
donated by Joyce Marigliano/Marigliano Associates

Open to junior riders. Fence height 3’. Riders may not have won any equitation class at 3’6” or higher prior to December 1st of the current show year. To be shown over at least eight (8) fences at 3’ in height with at least one change of direction.

NJPHA Mini Medal

Open to junior riders. Fence height 3’. Riders may not have won any equitation class at 3’6” or higher prior to December 1st of the current show year. To be shown over at least eight (8) fences at 3’ in height with at least one change of direction, a spread, and combination. May be combined with either theBack on Track Children’s Medal. One rider per horse. Two or more tests are required of the top (4) competitors or test may be built into the course. Tests 1-18.

NJPHA Gold Medal

Linda Matreyek Memorial Trophy

Open to all junior riders. To be shown over a course of not less than eight (8) fences at or at 3’6” which must include a minimum of one combination, an oxer, & 2 changes of direction. One rider per horse.

Jumpers

NJPHA jumper classes may be combined providing fence height is within .10cmm, with the exception of Low and High Child/Adult Jumpers. They may only be combined with each other.

NJPHA Itty Bitty Jumper
Open to all horses & ponies who, as a horse & rider combination, have not won a total of $1000 in jumper classes as of December 1st of the current show year. Fences 2’3” in height. Combinations are optional.
NJPHA Low Preliminary Jumper .85m
Open to all horses & ponies. Fences 2’9” in height, concurrent with USEF Level 0.
NJPHA Preliminary Jumper .95m/1m
Open to all horses & ponies. Fences 3’ in height, concurrent with USEF Level 1. Level 2 section fence height 3’3” concurrent with USEF Level 2.
NJPHA Low Children’s/Adult Jumper

Open to horses or ponies ridden by junior or adult amateur riders. Fences 3’3 in height, concurrent with USEF/USHJA Low Children/Adult jumper. Neither horse nor rider may compete in any classes at the same competition where fences exceed 3’6” in the1st round, except the USEF Talent Search. If at least 6 High Score Award winners have not met the annual requirements, awards may be combined with the High Children’s/Adult Jumper.

NJPHA High Children’s/Adult Jumper
Open to horses or ponies ridden by junior or adult amateur riders. Neither horse nor rider may compete in any classes at the same competition where fences exceed 3’6” in the 1st round, except the USEF Talent Search. If at least 6 High Score Award winners have not met the annual requirements, awards will be combined with the Low Children’s/Adult Jumper.

Special Awards

Nominations must be received by NOVEMBER 15TH
Horseman of the Year
To be awarded at the discretion of the awards committee to a Professional member in good standing, who throughout the years has shown dedication & service to the aims & ideals for which the PHA was founded.
Maxine Best Junior Sportsmanship
To be awarded annually to a junior member of the NJPHA who has shown through their actions & manners, compassion for their horse and their fellow competitors & the entire horse show community and exhibited the finest qualities of good sportsmanship.
Bev Walter Adult Sportsmanship
To be awarded annually to an adult amateur member of the NJPHA who has shown through their actions & manners, compassion for their horse and their fellow competitors & the entire horse show community and exhibited the finest qualities of good sportsmanship.

Packer Hall of Fame

To be awarded annually to an older horse or pony, who has, over the years, proven itself to be a safe & talented animal by, year after year, guiding numerous riders safely through their early years of showing.